Indoor bubble adapter

Abstract

A bubble adapter for installed security cameras, such as Pan / Tilt / Zoom (“PTZ”) security cameras fits over the head of the PTZ camera, and attaches to a mounting region of a base of the security camera via a field-deployable attachment mechanism. The bubble of the bubble adapter protects and conceals the head of the PTZ camera and its components. Using the bubble adapter, service personnel add bubbles to existing PTZ camera installations that are lacking bubbles in the field. This avoids the expense and downtime associated with the current method for adding bubbles to PTZ camera installations lacking bubbles. The current method requires removing the installed PTZ cameras, and replacing them with PTZ cameras having factory-installed bubbles. In addition, the bubble adapter provides an integrated airflow system that allows the security camera to maintain thermal control when the bubble adapter is attached to the security cameras.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 810,322, filed on Apr. 10, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Security cameras, such as pan / tilt / zoom (“PTZ”) video cameras, are an integral part of security solutions for protecting people, premises, and reducing risk. Within a premises or building, business owners install PTZ cameras at egress points, at the point of sale, and in other locations that require monitoring and tracking of people, goods and services. Another common application is at casinos. The PTZ video cameras are used to monitor employees and players.[0003]PTZ cameras typically include a base region or portion that mounts to a surface such as a wall or ceiling or mounting bracket within the premises. PTZ cameras also mount in a recessed fashion within ceilings similar to recessed lighting. The base of the PTZ cameras typically incl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The bubble adapter has airflow characteristics that seamlessly integrate with the airflow design and characteristics of the PTZ cameras. These features enable customers and field service personnel to install the bubble adapters to an in situ PTZ camera installation within the customer premises.

[0013]In addition, the invention provides manufacturers with the ability to sell bubble adapters separately from the security cameras to which they attach. Customers order and attach the bubble adapters to their existing cameras on an “as-needed” basis. This reduces the need for customers to have a priori knowledge of how many cameras, with and without bubbles, are required for a security installation.

[0019]In another implementation, the housing accepts a trim ring that secures a lip of the bubble to the housing for fastening the bubble to the housing. Preferably, the trim ring fastens the bubble to the housing using an interference fit. In yet another implementation, the housing further comprises a tamper resistant bracket which discourages tampering of the bubble adapter by unauthorized personnel.

[0020]In another embodiment, the housing comprises a cover ring that mounts to the air intake channel, which conceals the base of the security camera after the housing is attached to the base of the security camera. Preferably, the cover ring includes a safety lanyard that fastens to the base of the security camera, which protects the bubble adapter from dropping during attachment and removal.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, an attempted retrofit to an existing PTZ camera installation might restrict or compromise the airflow to the camera, causing overheating or damage to the camera and its components.

This creates a problem for customers with an installed base of PTZ cameras that wish to add a bubble to the cameras.

Both options are expensive and require significant labor.

Moreover, the downtime created by removing and replacing the cameras compromises the security of the premises that the cameras were purchased to protect.

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